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Memorial Day Services Well Attended Monday

    Memorial Day was observed throughout Lake County on Monday, with several special services held throughout the day.  The public turned out in large numbers to recognize those who lost their lives in military service to the country.
    The day began with a sunrise service in Mount Dora a the AW Peterson Gun Shop.  Elected officials including Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker and state senator Dennis Baxley were on hand for the event, which included the retirement of flags through a flag burning ceremony.  Attendees were invited to participate in the ceremony by placing into the fire flags in remembrance of a fallen soldier, or simply for freedom.
    Later in the morning, nearly 200 people joined in a ceremony in Altoona the Robert McTureous, Jr. Memorial site. There, several guest speakers took to the podium, a group of Lakeview Terrace residents performed patriotic songs, and a special Riderless Horse program was conducted.  The event was supported by the Umatilla High School JROTC, and organized by American Legion Post 21 in Umatilla. An estimated 150 people attended the event.
    In Astor, the VFW hosted its annual event at the Astor/Astor Park Cemetery, with around 50 people on hand to support a patriotic service.
    Additionally, a service was held along the shores of Lake Eustis, where city officials joined veterans in a service at Ferran Park.  At the AMVETS Post 1992, the Eustis High School JROTC joined members for a service that included a presentation about Mission 22, with the post making a $4,220 donation to that organization and its effort to reduce and eliminate suicide among veterans. The service also included recognition of Marine David Gonzalez, who walked 22 miles and finished his walk at the AMVETS post in Mount Dora.